Effects of modified electroconvulsive therapy on the cognitive function and blood parameters in female patients with schizophrenia.

BACKGROUND This study aimed to investigate the effects of modified electroconvulsive therapy (MECT) on cognitive function and blood parameters in female patients with schizophrenia. MATERIALS AND METHODS Female patients with schizophrenia (n = 23) received MECT while maintaining antipsychotic therapy. 1) White blood cell (WBC), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), creatine kinase (CK) and creatine kinase MB (CKMB) were measured at 10 min before and after MECT. 2) The severity of symptoms was evaluated before and after MECT by using the Positive and Negative Symptoms Scale (PANSS) and then the therapeutic effects of MECT were assessed. 3) Single nerve psychology test was used to assess the cognitive function. RESULTS 1) There were no significant differences in WBC, ALT, CK and CKMB before and after MECT (P > 0.05). 2) WBC, ALT and CKMB remained stable at different time points after MECT treatment (P > 0.05). But CK had statistical differences at different times before or after MECT treatment (P < 0.05). CK decreased since the first MECT and thereafter increased after the 7th treatment (P < 0.05). 3) The total score of PANSS decreased significantly after MECT (P < 0.05). 4) Digit span test showed no statistically significant differences in different time points (P > 0.05); Digital sign test and verbal fluency test showed significant differences in different times (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION The CK figure decreased from the first to sixth MECT treatment and increased in the 7th MECT treatment, and the CKMB also increased in the 7th treatment. MECT treatment had significant effects on female patients with schizophrenia and could obviously improve patient's cognitive function.